HGV drivers to face trial over M1 crash

Two HGV drivers are to stand trial next year for charges connected with a crash on the M1, which killed eight people.

Ryszard Masierak, 31 and David Wagstaff, 53, both pleaded not guilty to eight counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

Masierak also pleaded not guilty to eight counts of causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed alcohol limit.

Wagstaff pleaded guilty to four counts of dangerous driving and eight lesser charges of causing death by careless driving, but prosecutor Peter Shaw called for the driver to face trial nonetheless.

The trial has been set for 26 February at Aylesbury Crown Court.

Masierak was remanded in custody after today's court appearance, but Wagstaff was released on bail.

Eight people were killed in the motorway collision in the early hours of 26 August, and another four seriously injured.